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Description
MEET:
Executive Director, Puwata
**Transforming Lives in Kalangala District, Uganda**
**Puwata** is a 34-year-old trailblazer and advocate for children with special needs in Kalangala District, Uganda. Living with a physical disability himself, Puwata understands firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. He founded and currently serves as the **Executive Director of a Home for Children with Special Needs**, a community-based organization established in 2022.
It operates across the 84 islands of Kalangala District, providing critical support and advocacy for children with special needs, youth, and adults with disabilities, including those affected by HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, the organization has transformed lives by addressing physical, mental, and sensory disabilities and fostering a community of inclusion and empowerment.
**Life-Changing Programs:** Focuses on education support, health advocacy, and economic empowerment, along with play-based learning to foster communication and self-sufficiency.
**A Heartfelt Success Story**
One of Puwata’s most inspiring achievements involves rescuing three children Nsubuga (9), Peter (7), and Ivan (5) who were abandoned due to their blindness. Orphaned after their father drowned in Lake Victoria, these boys, along with their blind mother and grandmother, were left with no support. Through encouragement and structured movement exercises, the children began using white canes to navigate independently.
*“That moment was unforgettable,”** Puwata recalls. Today, these boys are recognized not only within the home but also as an integral part of the broader community, a testament to its transformative efforts.
**Daily Commitment to Change**
Puwata’s days are dedicated to empowering children through:
- **Economic empowerment activities**
- **Communication strategies and therapies**
- **Play-based learning** to foster development and joy
He believes that even small changes can lead to monumental transformations. His work extends beyond direct support to include equipping caregivers with tools and techniques that create sustainable, lasting change for children with special needs.
**A Legacy of Hope and Ability**
Puwata’s leadership at the Home for Children with Special Needs is redefining how disabilities are understood and addressed in the island communities. His dedication has not only improved lives but also inspired a shift toward inclusivity and advocacy in Kalangala District. He is at the Frontline in creating awareness on SRHR/SGBV among children and youth with disabilities on the island community.
“These children and families need support, and the place is doing life-changing work. It’s a privilege to be the origin of this home,” says Puwata, reflecting on the profound impact of his journey.
Under his guidance, the Home continues to be a beacon of hope, proving that even in the most remote communities, extraordinary change is possible.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The home is a community-based organization serving the 84 islands that make up Kalangala district . As a district is enclosed with different cultural norms and values and Baganda being the largest termed some norms as "Jaja Mukasa" with many beautiful sceneries like island view, palm oil plantation, boat cruise, Zip lining, fishing community, bird watching, nature walk, forest walk, solar plant and caves.
Registered charity
This host is a registered charity in their country and is looking for volunteers to help with their project(s).
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are calling upon friends from allover the world to come and join our my mighty team to volunteer and build hope, care, provide basic training and learning and create an empowering environment not only children with Special Needs but also youth with disabilities based in the island communities of Kalangala.
The vulnerable community needs us and together we can open a smiling space of inclusion for them.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
The center was established as a local organization and serving all cultures that would be your choice to learn from some.
Accommodation
We shall provided accomodation and feeding as per the center arrangements.
The center will provide free food and if the food is not fit for any of our workawayers then they will be required to buy food outside the center at their own cost.
We rented a room outside the center facility that's secure and safe for the visitors safety and privacy and if you wished to stay within the center the available rooms are made of timber.
What else ...
Your also allowed to do home visit with the team in the homes of Children with Special Needs
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Everyone is fully oriented on the does and donts upon arrival but what's more important is for one to fit in the work plan
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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